Thousands flock to Newcastle to enjoy the Hoppings
Jun 20 2009 The Journal
THOUSANDS of thrill seekers flocked to Newcastle last night on the first day of the Hoppings.
Stomach-churning rides and traditional sideshows drew families from across the North East to the annual funfair.
The biggest travelling fair in Europe, the Hoppings transforms the city’s Town Moor into a sea of flashing lights, pounding music and fearsome-looking rides.
With everything from hook-a-duck stalls to white-knuckle rollercoasters, the fair held thrills and spills for all ages.
Kelly Forster and son Jordan, 12, from Gosforth, Newcastle, loved the Mouse Trap ride.
“We’ve been on the new chair ride too, the really high one,” said Kelly, 33.
“I come to the Hoppings every year, I’ve only ever missed one,” she added.
The Hoppings has been a highlight of Newcastle’s calendar for 127 years. The first event, in 1882, drew 100,000 people.
This year, visitors were treated to blue skies on the opening night of the fair, which runs until Saturday June 27.
